Jim Hyde Receives “Master Pilot Award”

On Thursday, February 28, 2013, James F. Hyde (former resident of Coleman, Texas) was presented the Wilbur and Orville Wright “Master Pilot Award” by Frank Hammonds of the FAA for over 50 years of service in the aviation industry. The Award Ceremony took place in the Aviation Building of Tarrant County Community College Northwest Campus with standing room attendance by Jim’s family, friends, and current students. There are approximately 800,000 individuals who could qualify for this award, but to date, only 2,406 pilots have been recognized by the FAA for their dedicated service, technical expertise, professionalism, and many outstanding contributions that further the cause towards aviation safety.
Jim began his career while still attending Denison High School in 1959; he graduated in 1961 and attended North Texas University, where he graduated with a BS degree. He went on to be a flight instructor for the United States Air Force. He was an Engineer, Co-Pilot, and Pilot for Braniff International from 1966 until they went out of businesses in 1982. Between 1982 and 1986, he flew for Braniff II, Overseas Air, and Air National Airlines . Then in 1986, he became a Pilot and Training Check Airman for United Airlines, and finally retired in 2000 flying the 747-400 internationally. After a few months of “attempted” retirement, he went to Southwest Airlines as an Instructor Pilot. In 2009, Jim began working towards his Airframe and Powerplant Certification through the Tarrant County Community College program. He completed this effort in 2011, after which he became an aviation instructor at Tarrant County Community College.
Jim is currently teaching aviation systems and is a FAAST Team Representative for the FAA. He still manages Hyde Builders Construction Company in Granbury, Texas where he lives with his wife, Linda. Jim’s hobbies include flying private airplanes, flying control-line model planes, gardening, and developing his amateur radio station.